Today I find COURAGE to be the beat of my heart. Not my courage, but the courage of others. The courage it takes to do the hard thing whether it be a social conversation, a moral decision, a physical act, an emotional journey of healing, an intellectual pursuit or a spiritual conquest. I am blessed by those with courage.

My mom is a courageous person. I hope to live my life as courageously as she does. She is visiting me in Florida from Montana. She is eighty-eight — that’s 88! — and she flew alone across the country.

This morning we went to the beach early and hunted for treasure, specifically sand dollars. I know — it’s not everyone’s thing. But we love it. We spent an hour on the beach and she was a champion, walking and looking and finding joy.

This afternoon she went to the pool with me to cool off after a particularly warm day. I know — it’s not that warm everywhere, but it was here. She’s not a swimmer, but she acquiesced and went with me anyway.

Every day she faces her fears and lives with intention. It’s not easy and she has difficult days. But she’s always been an amazing example to me. I believe this scripture might just be what guides her every day. She is faithful to read and meditate on God’s word, she prays for us and she lives with courage.

⁶“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. ⁷Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. ⁸Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. ⁹This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:6-9

Oh, and courage isn’t doing something without fear. It is doing what needs to be done in spite of any fear might be there.

Who is the most courageous person you know? How have you been courageous today?